Acquired Hemophilia: A Case Report

Abstract

A case of acquired hemophilia is presented. Widespread blisters and then ecchymoses developed in a 79-year-old woman who was severely demented. Laboratory studies revealed specific complete inhibition of factor VIII in the blood. In any elderly patient with a bleeding diathesis and an abnormality in intrinsic coagulation, the presence of inhibitors to factor VIII should be suspected.